Early years[edit]

Regarded as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, he was listed as the No. 19 strongside defensive end prospect in the class of 2006.[2]

College career[edit]

After being redshirted as a freshman in 2006, Beal was moved to defensive end and recorded 21 tackles and had a sack as a redshirt freshman in 2007. Beal became a starter as a sophomore in 2008 and earned first team All-Big 12 by the Associated Press after recording a team high 8.5 sacks with 54 tackles. As a junior in 2009 Beal recorded 61 tackles, 11 sacks, and an interception.